This hole in the wall tavern has won best burger award at the Shore

Sometimes, you have to look at the little guys for the absolute best food and atmosphere. Yes, the big chains are great, but it's really the mom and pop kind of places that really bring our communities together.

Nic's Hometown Tavern in Hazlet, NJ is one of those places. Despite so many bigger chains nearby, Nic's provides an atmosphere that many of those larger chains simply can't match.

After paying a visit to their tavern, I 100% stand behind the description of calling it a hole in the wall kind of place. And in New Jersey, that's considered a very high ranking.

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But Nic's Hometown Tavern isn't alone. Five years ago, they joined forces with one of their former bartenders which ended up pushing themselves to the next level.

Mike Brant TSM

The Hey Burger era

Today, Nic's Hometown Tavern is home to Hey Burger. Yes, Hey Burger is it's own entity located within the tavern, but don't let that fool you into thinking that one isn't better than the other.

In fact, Hey Burger enhances the tavern experience by providing a full menu of amazing burgers and more for it's customers. But not just any burger. They serve up award-winning burgers.

Hey Burger has only been around for five years, yet they've already racked up tons of awards for their burgers which they proudly showcase within the tavern. Needless to say, they have a lot of support support from the community.

Mike Brant TSM / Google Maps (Canva Edit)

Crowned the BEST at the Jersey Shore

Earlier this year, Hey Burger participated in the 2026 Jersey Shore Burger Playoffs, and won! Check out the video below from my visit last summer trying out one of their award-winning burgers.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.